Accessories for mobile electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a case for a mobile electronic device having an onboard camera lens. The case may be removably attachable by a user to the mobile electronic device or to a second case that is attached to the mobile electronic device. The case may provide components to improve or enhance photography functionality of the mobile electronic device, such as flash components or other illumination elements, diffuser components, auxiliary power sources, mounting regions for additional accessories, and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/764,981, filed on Feb. 14, 2013 and entitled “Accessories For Communication Devices,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/936,824, filed on Feb. 6, 2014 and entitled “Accessories For Mobile Devices,” the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification for all that they disclose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

1. Field of the Inventions

The inventions relate generally to cases and other accessories, and specifically to cases and other accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, electronic pad devices, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, and/or devices capable of linking electronically to another device or to a network such as the Internet, etc.)

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, many advances in computer networking and processing technology have made it possible for mobile electronic devices to include cameras that permit users to capture images. In many cases, these images can be stored, processed, and transmitted. However, there are many design constraints on onboard cameras in mobile electronic devices that can limit the weight, size, expense, shape, adjustability, and overall quality of the lensing systems of such cameras. Consequently, many cameras in mobile electronic devices do not provide a wide variety of photographic features desired by users.

The deficiencies of onboard camera lenses can be addressed by modular or detachable lensing systems. Such lensing systems may be mounted or attached to mobile electronic devices such that one or more auxiliary lenses are positioned substantially over the onboard camera lenses of the mobile electronic devices. The auxiliary lenses can enhance or alter the light that may be captured by the onboard cameras to generate an image.

Other accessories may be used with mobile electronic devices, such as protective cases. Protective cases are generally intended to provide protection for the mobile electronic devices onto which they are installed, and to inhibit wear and/or damage to the mobile electronic devices. Conventionally, protective cases cover the exterior of the mobile electronic device, or some portion thereof, to cushion impacts, protect against scratches, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of various inventive features will now be described with reference to the following drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a modular mobile device protective case including an integrated flash and diffuser component.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an integrated flash and diffuser component.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an integrated power source.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an integrated diffuser component with multiple (e.g., two or more) diffusion regions.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an integrated flash and diffuser component.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a diffuser component for a mobile device protective case.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an attachment/detachment mechanism.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an embodiment of an attachment/detachment mechanism for a mobile device protective case.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including an integrated flash component.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protective case including a movable (e.g., rotating or pivoting) integrated flash component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific examples of embodiments of the disclosure. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout the description and the drawings. The inventions are not limited to the examples expressly illustrated or described in this specification.

The present disclosure relates generally to protective cases and other accessories for mobile electronic devices. Many different structures, features, steps, and processes are shown and/or described in discrete embodiments for convenience, but any structure, feature, step, or process disclosed herein in one embodiment can be used separately or combined with or used instead of any other structure, feature, step, or disclosed in any other embodiment. Also, no structure, feature, step, or processes disclosed herein is essential or indispensable; any may be omitted in some embodiments.

Generally described, protective cases can cover the exterior of mobile electronic devices or some portion thereof to cushion impacts, protect against scratches, provide water resistance, and the like. In addition, protective cases can include access regions, including exposed regions, moveable access regions, external actuators, cutaways, or openings for accessing features and components of the mobile device on which the cases are installed, such as one or more onboard cameras, screens, buttons, electrical connectors, lenses, optical elements, etc. However, conventional protective cases nevertheless fail to provide additional features that may be desirable. For example, some cases may have an opening to expose an onboard flash component of a mobile electronic device, but that flash component may not be adequate for certain photographic situations. As another example, some cases may not provide a low profile or “sleek” design.

Some aspects of this disclosure relate to protective cases with one or more integrated illumination elements, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) or xenon bulbs that may be used for flash photography. The illumination elements may be embedded into or located on a surface of the protective cases. The illumination elements can provide flash functionality for mobile devices that do not have onboard flashes, or improved flash functionality for mobile devices that do have onboard flashes, by emitting light within at least a field of view of an onboard camera lens of a mobile device. For example, the illumination elements may provide illumination that is brighter, spread over wider area, lasts longer, or is different color than a flash component onboard a mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the illumination elements may be movable with respect to the protective case in order to allow a user to select a desirable position, direction, or orientation of for the illumination elements. For example, illumination elements may be emended into or on a surface of a positioning member, such as a rotatable, pitvotable, or otherwise movable arm. A user may orient the positioning member such that a desired lighting effect may be achieved when the illumination elements emit light. The illumination elements may be actuated by user interaction with an actuator included on the protective case, such as a button. In some embodiments, the illumination elements may be actuated wirelessly by the mobile electronic device or by some other device.

Additional aspects of this disclosure relate to protective cases with one or more integrated diffuser components. The diffuser components can be used to scatter, soften, redirect, or even out light over an area on which the light will fall, such as a scene or subject to be photographed or recorded. Diffuser components may be at least partially opaque and at least partially transparent or translucent such that at least some portion of light passing though the diffuser is blocked or redirected. In some embodiments, diffuser components may provide multiple (e.g., two or more) levels of diffusion. For example, a sliding diffuser component may provide a first level of diffusion and a second level of diffusion, where the first level of diffusion produces a softer light than the second level of diffusion, and where the second level of diffusion produces a softer light than may be produced by an illumination element without any diffusion. In some embodiments, a diffuser component may be provided on a protective case in conjunction with one or more illumination elements to provide a complete illumination and diffusion solution. In additional embodiments, a diffuser component of a protective case may be used with an onboard flash component and/or an onboard camera lens of a mobile electronic device onto which the protective case is installed.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to cases and case modules with auxiliary power sources. The auxiliary power sources may be used to provide power or recharging capabilities to mobile electronic devices. In some embodiments, the auxiliary power sources may provide power to other components of the protective cases, such as illumination elements. In still further embodiments, the auxiliary power sources may provide power to additional accessories, such as accessories attaching to a powered accessory mount (e.g., a “hot shoe”) or an unpowered accessory mount (e.g., a “cold shoe”). For example, a separate illumination element (e.g., a flash component) may be attached to a cold shoe, and connected to the auxiliary power source via a wired connection.

Still further aspects of this disclosure relate to attachment/detachment structures and methods for protective cases. In some embodiments, a case with exterior dimensions close in size to a mobile device to which it is attached may be desired. Users may prefer the slim profile and the reduced amount of extra size and weight added to a bare mobile device by the addition of such small cases. However, due to reduced amount of size and weighted added to the mobile device by small case, the small cases may not provide some or all of the features described above. A modular case accessory may be added, attached, or installed to provide such additional features when desired. When the additional features provided by the modular case accessory are not desired, the modular case accessory may be removed. To facilitate the repeated attachment and detachment of the modular case accessory, a release mechanism and technique may be implemented to reduce the effort required of a user when attaching or detaching the modular accessory from the case.

The terms “mobile electronic devices” and “mobile devices” in this specification are used in their ordinary sense, and include mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, media players, electronic tablet devices, laptop computers, gaming devices, wearable electronic devices (e.g., “smart watches” or “smart eyewear”), and/or mobile electronic communication devices capable of linking electronically to another device or to a network such as the Internet, etc. Some mobile electronic devices include one or more onboard cameras that can be used for various imaging purposes, such as photography and video recording. In some cases, imaging accessories can be used with a mobile device to stabilize the mobile device, adjust focus, provide light, change angle, and the like. Imaging devices can include a retainer for connecting an imaging device to a mobile electronic device, a lens, a light-modifying device and/or a positioning device (e.g., a lens hood, a camera stand, etc.), a light source, a lens cover, a lens filter, etc.

The terms “protective case,” “modular case,” and “case” in this specification are used in their ordinary sense, and include removably attachable case accessories and case modules that may be attached to and detached from mobile devices by a user. Generally described, the protective cases and modular cases described herein may be attached to permanent or semi-permanent housings of mobile devices, such as the housings that are provided with or form an integral part of the mobile devices. The protective cases described herein typically do not form a permanent or integral part of the mobile devices.

The terms “flash component” and “flash” in this speciation are used in their ordinary sense, and generally refer to electronic flash units to provide illumination for flash photography or for other purposes. Flash components may include one or more illumination elements, such as LEDs, xenon-based bulbs, or other light sources.

The terms “diffuser component,” “diffusion filter,” and “diffuser” in this specification are used in their ordinary sense, and generally refer to components that scatter, soften, redirect, or even out light over an area on which the light will fall. Diffuser components may be at least partially opaque and at least partially transparent or translucent, but not completely opaque and not completely transparent or translucent. Generally, diffuser components deflect or block some portion of light passing through the diffuser, thereby reducing harsh lighting and hard shadows that may otherwise be produced from light being emitted from a concentrated source, such as a flash component. In some embodiments, diffuser components may provide multiple (e.g., two or more) levels of diffusion. For example, a single diffuser component may include multiple (e.g., two or more) regions or elements, and each region or element can scatter, soften, redirect, or even out light to different degrees. In some embodiments, a diffuser may be positioned generally in front of a camera lens in order to diffuse light prior to entry into the camera lens. Such diffusion can be used to scatter a portion of light across the camera lens and/or block a portion of light from entering the camera lens, thereby producing a softer image of the subject or scene being photographed or recorded. Diffuser components may be made of material that provides desired diffusion characteristics, such as a desired level of light scatter, blocked light, etc. For example, diffuser components may be or include ground glass diffusers, teflon diffusers, holographic diffusers, opal glass diffusers, greyed glass diffusers, polymer-based diffusers, and the like.

Although aspects of the embodiments described in the disclosure will focus, for the purpose of illustration, on the use of modular protective case accessories to provide additional features to mobile devices onto which protective cases may have already been installed, the structures and techniques disclosed herein may be applied to any accessory or auxiliary structure. For example, each of features described herein may be used by modular protective case accessories configured to be attached directly to or otherwise installed on mobile electronic devices without being attached to separate protective cases. As another example, each of the features described herein may be used by modular protective case accessories configured to be mounted to either separate protective cases or to mobile electronic devices without separate protective cases, depending on the wishes of users. As a further example, each of the features described herein may be used by an independent protective case rather than a modular case accessory. Various aspects of some embodiments will now be described with regard to certain examples and which are intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a mobile electronic device 100 that includes an onboard camera lens 102 for capturing images and video with the device 100. In some embodiments, as shown, the mobile device 100 includes a flash component 104, such as an LED. A user may removably attach a protective case 110 to the mobile device 100. The protective case 110 may be made up of at least two separate portions. A first portion 114 of the case may be moved relative to a second portion 112 of the case in order to expose or otherwise allow access to at least a portion of the mobile device contained therein. For example, a user may pivot, rotate, or slide a first portion 114 of the case relative to a second portion 112 of the case in order to expose the onboard camera lens 102. Some examples of protective cases for mobile electronic devices (including the Quick-Flip™ protective case) that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0206614, which is titled “Case for a Communication Device” and which was published on Aug. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Once the user has exposed the onboard camera lens 102 or other component, the user may then attach or otherwise use an accessory or other auxiliary structure with the exposed component (e.g., use an auxiliary lensing system with the onboard camera lens). Some examples of removable accessories for mobile electronic devices (including the Olloclip® lens accessory) that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544, which is titled “Selectively Attachable and Removable Lenses for Communication Devices” and which issued on Oct. 2, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The protective case 110 may be a basic, low-weight, low-profile, foundational, or “sleek” case that provides basic protection for a mobile device 100, generally closely conforming to the exterior shape of the mobile device 100 while providing a low profile and a low amount of extra bulk and weight to the device. Such a case 110 may be desirable for regular use due to the small amount of bulk and weight that it adds to the device 100. However, a user may also desire some additional features, such as those provided by larger or heavier cases and accessories, on an as-needed basis.

To provide additional features and components to a low-profile, foundational, or “sleek” case 110, one or more modular case accessories may be added to the case 110 by way of one or more additional parts, as desired. A modular case accessory 120 may include components and/or provide features not provided by the sleek case 110 or otherwise not available to the mobile device 100. In addition, a user may removably attach a modular case accessory to a mobile device 100 onto which another protective case 110 has already been attached.

In some embodiments, as shown, the modular case accessory 120 may include a flash component 122 that includes one or more illumination elements 124. The illumination elements 124 may be LEDs, high-powered xenon bulbs, or some other sources of illumination. The illumination elements 124 may provide higher quality illumination than the onboard flash 104 of the mobile device 100. For example, the illumination elements 124 may provide illumination that is brighter, spread over wider area, lasts longer, or is different color than an onboard flash component 104 of a mobile electronic device 100. In addition or alternatively, the flash component 122 may provide functionality typically not provided by onboard flash components 104 of mobile devices 100. For example, operational characteristics of the flash component 122 may be programmed or managed by a user, or may automatically be managed by application software executing on the mobile device 100. In some embodiments, operational characteristics that may be changed include the color, intensity, and/or duration of the illumination provided by the flash component 122 or of individual illumination elements 124. Such operational characteristics may be altered, e.g., based on current environmental conditions or to achieve some desired lighting effect.

In some embodiments, the illumination elements 124 may be user-removable and/or user-replaceable. For example, a user may change one or more illumination elements 124 based on the current environmental lighting conditions or to achieve some desired lightning effect. As another example, a user may replace broken or underperforming illumination elements 124 with newer or higher quality illumination elements 124, illumination elements which provide additional features, or the like.

The flash component 122 may also include an integrated diffuser component 126. The diffuser component 126 may provide additional photographic options to a user of the mobile device 100, such as the ability to soften light emitted by the flash component 104 as needed. The diffuser component 126 may be at least partially opaque and at least partially transparent, such that at least a portion of light emitted by the illumination elements 124 is redirected by the diffuser 126 or is blocked altogether. The diffuser component 126 may be selectively activated or implemented by a user. For example, the diffuser component 126 may be movable with respect to the illumination elements 124 from a first position to at least a second position. In the first position, illustrated in FIG. 1, the diffuser component is not located between the illumination elements 124 and an area in which a photographic subject would be located. In this first position, the diffuser does not alter light emitted by the illumination elements 124. In the second position, illustrated in FIG. 2, the diffuser component 126 is located between the illumination elements and an area generally in front of the onboard camera lens 102 of the mobile device. A photographic subject would typically be located in the area generally in front of the onboard camera lens 102. Therefore, in the second position, the diffuser 126 can alter the light emitted to the photographic subject as described in greater detail above.

In some embodiments, the diffuser component 126 or any other diffuser component described herein may be provided on a case, such as the modular case accessory 120 or any other protective case, that does not include an integrated illumination element 124. The diffuser component may then diffuse light emitted by some illumination element separate from the case, such as an on-board illumination element (e.g., flash) of a mobile device onto which the case is installed. For example, the case may have a region or component (e.g., aperture, cut-away, light pipe, etc.) through which light emitted by an onboard flash of a mobile device may be directed or otherwise allowed to pass. A diffuser component may be located within, adjacent to, or otherwise near the region or component through which light emitted by the onboard flash may pass. In this location, the diffuser component may alter (e.g., redirect, scatter, soften, etc.) at least a portion of the light from the on-board illumination element of the mobile device when desired by the user.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular case accessory 120 may include an access region 128, such as an exposed region, cutaway, or opening for accessing and/or exposing features and components of an underlying case 110 or mobile device 100 on which the modular case accessory 120 is installed. For example, the access region 128 may be located and sized such that the onboard camera lens an exposed region, cutaway, or opening for accessing and/or exposing features and components of an underlying case 110 or mobile device 100 on which the modular case accessory 120 is installed. 102 of the mobile device 100 may be exposed. As another example, the access region 128 may be located and sized such that a portion of the mobile device 100 may be exposed for attachment of another modular accessory, such as the Olloclip® lens accessory. As yet another example, the access region 128 may be located and sized such that a feature of the underlying case 110 may be used, such the movement of firs case portion 114 with respect to the second case portion 112 to expose a region of the mobile device 100.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the access region 128 may extend laterally less than about ½ or ⅓ of the way across a first edge (e.g., a top edge) of the modular case accessory 120, and may extend longitudinally less than about ¼ or ⅕ of the way down a second generally orthogonal edge (e.g., a side edge) of the modular case accessory 120. The lateral extension of the access region 128 can ensure that a desired level of protection is provided along the edges of the modular case accessory 120, and can also ensure the availability of sufficient surface area for additional components, such as the flash component 122.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flash component 122 may extend a generally greater distance laterally than longitudinally across a surface of the modular case accessory 120. For example, the flash component 122 may have a first lateral dimension that is about 2 times or about 3 times greater than a second longitudinal dimension. The diffuser component 126 may be smaller than the overall flash component 122. For example, the diffuser component 126 may have a first lateral dimension that is about ⅔ or about ¾ as large as the lateral dimension of the flash component 122. In this way, the diffuser component 126 may move laterally within or over the flash component 122 between multiple (e.g., two or more) discrete positions or through a continuous range of positions, thereby exposing and/or covering one or more illumination elements 124 of the flash component 122 as desired.

FIG. 3 illustrates a reverse side of the modular case accessory 120. The side of the modular case accessory shown in FIG. 3 may be side that contacts or faces the underlying case 110 or mobile device 100 when the modular case accessory 120 is attached. The modular case accessory 120 may include an auxiliary power source 130, such as a cell or battery (e.g., a lithium ion or nickel cadmium battery). The modular case accessory 120 may also include wiring and/or circuitry 132 to provide power from the battery to the mobile device 100 or to components of the modular case accessory 120. For example, the modular case accessory 120 may include a connector (not shown) that interfaces directly or indirectly with the mobile electronic device 100 in order to provide electrical power to the device 100. The auxiliary power source 130 may provide primary or secondary power (e.g., backup or recharging power) to the mobile device 100.

The auxiliary power source 130 may be rechargeable, removable, replaceable, and/or otherwise maintainable by a user. For example, a user may attach the modular case accessory 120 to a mobile device 100 and use the auxiliary power source 130 to power or recharge the mobile device 100. Subsequently, the user may recharge the auxiliary power source 130 or replace it with a fresh or charged auxiliary power source.

In some embodiments, a modular case accessory 120 can include an actuator, such as a button or switch (not shown). The actuator may physically actuate a photography shutter button (or some other button) of the mobile device 100 in order to, e.g., capture a photo or begin recording video. In some embodiments, the actuator (or user interaction therewith) may trigger transmission of a signal to the mobile device 100 wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth or near field communication) or via a wired connection with the mobile device 100. In some embodiments, the illumination elements 124 may be actuated or triggered by the actuator or by a signal from the mobile device 100.

In some embodiments, one or more illumination elements 124 can be indicators configured to convey information to a user, such as the level of power remaining in the battery of the mobile phone or in the auxiliary power source 130 (e.g., when all illumination elements 124 are illuminated, then the battery of the mobile device 100 or the auxiliary power source 130 is at or near full power, and when fewer illumination elements 124 are illuminated the battery or auxiliary power source 124 is at a corresponding lower level of power). In some embodiments, the illumination elements 124 may be dual-purpose components configured to also provide a flash. For example, when a user presses the actuator (e.g., to actuates the onboard camera 102 of the mobile device 100) or performs some other action with the mobile device 100 or the modular case accessory 120, the illumination elements 124 may provide a photography flash. However, if a user actuates the actuator when the mobile device is not in a photography state or mode (e.g., when a particular application, such as the “camera app,” is not active), the illumination elements 124 may illuminate to indicate the remaining power in the battery of the mobile device 100 or in the auxiliary power source 130.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are close up illustrations of a portion of an embodiment of a modular case accessory 120. More specifically, FIGS. 4A-4C show an embodiment of a diffuser component 126 in use. As described above, the diffuser component 126 can be positioned generally between one or more illumination elements 124 and a subject or area to be photographed or recorded. In such a location, the diffuser component 126 can alter the light emitted by the illumination elements 124 to achieve some desired lighting effect. For example, the diffuser component 126 may block or redirect at least a portion of light that would normally pass to the subject or area to be photographed if the diffuser component 126 were not present. In effect, the light will not appear as if it is coming from one concentrated source (or multiple sources within a small area, such as the illumination elements 124), but rather will be spread out and reflect off of environmental objects (e.g., ceilings, walls) at various angles. This deflection and reflection can reduce harsh lighting and hard shadows that may otherwise be produced by a single illumination element 124 (or several illumination elements in a small area). Such diffusion may be particularly useful for portrait photographers, since harsh light and hard shadows are usually not considered flattering in a portrait.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the diffuser component 126 may have multiple (e.g., two or more) diffusion regions, such as diffusion regions 142 and 144. Some diffusion regions may have different diffusion characteristics than other diffusion regions. For example, diffusion regions may scatter or redirect light differently, block different amounts of light, filter out different frequencies of light, etc. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, a first diffusion region 142 may apply a higher level of diffusion (e.g., may block or redirect more light) than a second diffusion region 144. Each portion of the diffuser component 126 corresponding to a different diffusion region may be made of different material (e.g., one diffusion region 142 may be a glass-based diffuser, while the second diffusion region 144 may be a polymer-based diffuser). In some cases, the diffuser component 126 may include independent diffusers coupled to each other or to some other component.

The diffuser component 126 may be movable with respect to the illumination elements 124 through multiple (e.g., two or more) discrete positions, or through a continuous range of positions. At each position, the diffuser component 126 may provide a particular level of diffusion, which may be different than some positions and/or which may be generally similar to some other positions.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the diffuser component 126 may be located in a first position, whereby none of the diffusion regions 142, 144 are positioned in front of any illumination elements 124. In this first position, the diffuser component 126 may not affect the light emitted by the illumination elements 124. The first position may be referred to as an “open” position or a “standard” position due to the lack of diffusion.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the diffuser component 126 may be located in a second position, whereby diffusion region 144 is positioned in front of the illumination elements 124. In this second position, the diffuser component 126 may apply a first amount of diffusion to light emitted by the illumination elements 124. For example, the diffuser component 126 may apply a moderate amount of diffusion to light emitted by the illumination element 124 when the diffuser component 126, depending upon the particular diffusion characteristics of the diffusion region 144.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the diffuser component 126 may be located in a third position, whereby diffusion region 142 is positioned in front of the illumination elements 124. In this third position, the diffuser component 126 may apply a second amount of diffusion to light emitted by the illumination elements 124. For example, the diffuser component 126 may apply a higher level of diffusion to light emitted by the illumination element 124 when the diffuser component 126 is in the third position then when the diffuser component 126 is in either the second or first positions, depending upon the particular diffusion characteristics of the diffusion region 142.

In some embodiments, the diffuser component 126 may be located at any point in the range of motion of the diffuser component 126 within the flash component 122, rather than in discrete positions. For example, the diffuser component may be positioned such that diffusion region 142 is located generally in front of some subset of illumination elements 124 rather than all illumination elements. In this position, no portion of the diffuser component 126 is located in front of the remainder of the illumination elements 126. As a result, the subset of illumination elements 124 generally covered by the diffusion region 142 may emit light that is diffused by diffusion region 142, while the remainder of the illumination elements 124 may emit undiffused light. As another example, the diffuser component 126 may be positioned such that diffusion region 144 located generally in front of some subset of illumination elements 124 rather than all illumination elements, and diffusion region 142 is located generally in front of the remainder of the illumination elements 124. As a result, the subset of illumination elements 124 covered by the diffusion region 144 may emit light that is diffused by diffusion region 144, while the remainder of the illumination elements 124 may light that is diffused by diffusion region 142.

In some embodiments, the diffuser component 126 may have continuously variable diffusion characteristics along a dimension of the diffuser component rather than a series of discrete diffusion regions. The diffuser may then provide a continuous range of diffusion characteristics from which to select, rather than a selection of discrete diffusion characteristics. For example, a user may move or slide the diffuser 126 such that it is generally in front of all illumination elements 124 or some subset thereof. Depending upon the particular location of the diffuser component 126 with respect to the illumination elements 124, different levels of diffusion may be applied to different illumination elements 124 from a single diffuser component 126 position. A user may then continue to move or slide the diffuser 126 to slightly or substantially vary the level of diffusion applied to the various illumination elements 124, depending upon how far the user moves the diffuser component.

In some embodiments, the diffuser 126 may be positioned generally in front of a camera lens (such as an onboard camera lens 102 of a mobile device 100), or generally between the camera lens and a subject or scene being photographed or recorded. In this implementation, the diffuser component 126 can soften the image of the subject or scene being photographed or recorded.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a modular case accessory 200. The modular case accessory 200 shown in FIG. 5 may include various structures and features, each of which may be the same as or similar to one or more features of any other modular case accessories shown and described herein. For example, the modular case accessory 200 may be removably attachable by a user to a mobile device 100 and/or a separate case 110 that is attached to a mobile device 100. In addition, the modular case accessory 200 may include a flash component 220, an integrated auxiliary power source (not shown), and/or various other features.

In some embodiments, the modular case accessory 200 may not include an access region, as the modular case 120 described above includes. Instead, the modular case accessory 200 may be sized such that it is does not interfere with operation of certain components of the mobile device 100, such as the onboard camera lens 102. For example, the modular case accessory 200 may have a longitudinal height of about ¾ or about ⅘ of the longitudinal height of the mobile device 100. As a result, the modular case accessory may not interfere with the normal operation of the onboard camera lens 102 or other components of the mobile device 100. In addition, because the modular case accessory 200 may be configured to be attached to a separate case 110, the mobile device 100 may still be adequately protected.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the modular case accessory 200 may include a flash component 200 with one or more illumination elements 222 and one or more diffuser components 224. The diffuser components 224 may be movable with respect to the illumination elements 222 in order to apply diffusion to and remove diffusion from the illumination elements 222. For example, the diffuser components 224 may be coupled to a rotating member 228, such as a dial or wheel. The rotating member 228 may use a rotation facilitating structure, such as an axle and/or bearings in order to facilitate rotation. A user may turn the rotating member 228 in order to alter the location of the diffuser components 224 with respect to the illumination elements 222.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the diffuser components may be moved between multiple (e.g. two or more) discrete positions. In a first position, as shown in FIG. 6A, the diffuser components 224 may not be located such that they may diffuse light emitted by the illumination elements 222. A user may turn the rotating member 228 in order to place the diffuser components 224 in a second position. In the second position, as shown in FIG. 6B, the diffuser components 224 may be located generally in front of or covering the illumination elements 222 such that they may diffuse light emitted by the illumination elements 222. As the user turns the rotating member 228 between first and second positions, a detent, stop, or some other feature for temporarily halting rotation of the rotating member 228 may be engaged at each of the first and second positions. In this way, the diffuser components 224 may be properly aligned with the illumination elements 222 in the second position (or away from the illumination elements in the first position) without additional effort by the user to set the alignment manually.

Although FIGS. 6A and 6B show a flash component 220 with two illumination elements 222 and two diffusion elements 224, other combinations and configurations may be used. For example, a flash component may have three, four, five, or more illumination elements, and a generally corresponding number of diffuser components 224.

In some embodiments, components 224 may not be diffusers, but may instead block all or substantially of the light emitted by illumination elements 222 when the rotating member 228 has been rotated to the second position. In the second position, components 226 may be revealed. Components 226 may be additional illuminating elements, such as illuminating elements configured to emit different colors than illuminating elements 222, or to emit light that is diffused.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a modular case accessory 300. The modular case accessory 300 shown in FIG. 7 may include various structures and features, each of which may be the same as or similar to one or more features of any other modular case accessories shown and described herein. For example, the modular case accessory 300 may be removably attachable by a user to a mobile device 100 and/or a separate case 110 that is attached to a mobile device 100. The modular case accessory 300 may also include an access region, such as an exposed region, cutaway, or opening for accessing and/or exposing features and components of an underlying case 110 or mobile device 100 on which the modular case accessory 300 is installed. In addition, the modular case accessory 300 may include a flash component 302 with one or more illumination elements 306 and a diffuser component 304. In contrast with the flash component 122 described above, the flash component 302 may have a first lateral dimension that is smaller than a second longitudinal dimension. For example, the first lateral dimension may be about ⅓ or about ¼ the size of the second longitudinal dimension.

The modular case accessory 300 may provide additional features, such as a mounting component 308. The mounting component 308 may be used to mount additional accessories to the modular case accessory 300, such as microphones, lights, flash components, and the like. In some embodiments, the mounting component 308 may be a powered “hot shoe” mount configured to provide electrical power from an auxiliary power source or directly from the mobile device 100. The “hot shoe” may also provide a wired communication path to the modular case accessory 300 or to the mobile device 100 via the modular case accessory 300. In some embodiments, the mounting component 308 may be an unpowered “cold shoe” mount that does not provide electrical power or communication.

The modular case accessory 300 (or any other modular component) may be secured to a protective case 110 through the use of securement mechanisms 310, such as latches or hooks. For example, securement mechanisms 310 may be used to removably secure a modular case accessory 300 to a foundational or underlying case 110. A user may remove the modular case accessory 300 from the protective case 110 by actuating a release mechanism, such as by squeezing the securement mechanism 310, and pulling the underlying case 110 or mobile device in a direction orthogonal to an axis defined by the securement mechanisms 310.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the features and operation of some embodiments of the securement mechanisms 310. Securement mechanisms 310 may include a locking structure 320, such as a lip that secures the modular case accessory 300 to the case 110 by engaging a complementary locking structure 118, such as a notch. The securement mechanisms 310 may be biased toward the case 110 so that the locking structure 320 automatically engages the complementary locking structure 118 when the modular case accessory 300 is installed. For example, a securement mechanism 310 may include or be mounted to an attachment structure 312 (shown in FIG. 7) that, in addition to facilitating attachment of the securement mechanism 310 to the case 300, may provide a component such as a spring to bias or urge the locking structure 320 toward the case 110 (or mobile device 100). In some embodiments, a securement mechanism 310 may also include an unlocking structure (not shown), such as a tab that may be pulled (e.g., by a user's thumb) in order to disengage the locking structure 320 from the complementary locking structure 118 of the case 110, allowing the modular case accessory 300 to be removed. In some embodiments, a user may press or actuate a region of the securement mechanism 310 in order to disengage the locking structure 320 from the complementary locking structure 118 of the case 110, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a modular case accessory 400. The modular case accessory 400 shown in FIG. 9 may include various structures and features, each of which may be the same as or similar to one or more features of any other modular case accessories shown and described herein. For example, the modular case accessory 400 may be removably attachable by a user to a mobile device 100 and/or a separate case 110 that is attached to a mobile device 100. The modular case accessory 400 may also include an access region, such as an exposed region, cutaway, or opening for accessing and/or exposing features and components of an underlying case 110 or mobile device 100 on which the modular case accessory 400 is installed. An additional accessory, such as an auxiliary lensing system 140, may be attached to the mobile device 100 due to the opening provided by the attachment region.

In addition, the modular case accessory 400 may include a flash component 402. The flash component 402 may include movable (e.g., slidable, rotatable or pivotable) positioning member 404. One or more illumination elements 406 may be integrated into or placed onto a surface of the positioning member 404. In some embodiments, as shown, the positioning member may be located along a periphery of the access region described above. In this position, the illumination elements 406 may provide certain desired lighting effects, such as a partial ring flash, due the proximity and orientation of the illumination elements 406 with respect to the onboard camera lens 102 of the mobile device 100 (or the auxiliary lensing component 140, if one is in use). In some embodiments, as shown, the positioning member 404 extends along two generally orthogonal sides of the access region (and of the auxiliary lensing component 140). The positioning member 404 may extend a generally equal distance in each of the two orthogonal directions.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the positioning member 400 may pivot or rotate about an axis such that it is moved generally away from the access region. For example, the positioning member may be pivoted away from the access region or onboard camera lens 102, and may extend away from a side or edge of the modular case accessory 400. In this second position, as shown in FIG. 10, one or more of the illumination elements 406 may be farther away from the onboard camera lens 102 of the mobile device 100 (or from an auxiliary lensing system 140 installed on the mobile device 100) then in the first position, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the positioning member 404 may not pivot or rotate, but may instead slide or translate in some linear direction with respect to the modular case accessory 400.

In some embodiments, the cases and modular case accessories described herein can provide protection for the underlying communication device and also permit quick, easy, and temporary access to very specific portions of the communication device. In some embodiments, the case and modular case accessories can be formed from various materials, including polymers (e.g., polycarbonate) and/or metals (e.g., aluminum), etc. In some embodiments, different case portions can be formed from a plurality of different materials and/or methods. For example, at least a portion of a case or modular case accessory can be formed using a multi-step molding process, such as multi-shot injection molding, inserting molding, or overmolding, and/or the case can include a coating, such as an adhesive, paint, or deposited film, to provide a region on the interior and/or exterior of the case that has a different durometer or appearance than another portion of the case. In some embodiments, a harder shell or interior can be provided in conjunction with a softer interior or exterior surface that provides enhanced grippability for a user's hand and/or provides improved cushioning and impact resistance for the communication device.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combine with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. 

The following is claimed:
 1. A case configured to be removably attachable to a mobile electronic device, the case comprising: one or more illumination elements configured to emit light within at least a field of view of an onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device; and a diffuser component configured to move, relative to the one or more illumination elements, from a first position in which the diffuser component alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, to a second position in which the diffuser component does not alter light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, wherein the case is configured to be attached to and removed from the mobile electronic device by a user.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the diffuser component is at least partially opaque and at least partially translucent.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the diffuser component alters at least a portion of light emitted by the one or more illumination elements by at least one of: scattering, blocking, redirecting, or softening at least the portion of light.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein the diffuser component comprises at least first and second diffusion regions, and wherein the first diffusion region provides a greater degree of diffusion than the second diffusion region.
 5. The case of claim 4, wherein the diffuser component is further configured to move to a third position relative to the one or more illumination elements, wherein the first diffusion region alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements when the diffuser component is in the first position, and wherein the second diffusion region alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements when the diffuser component is in the third position.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein the diffuser component is configured to slide laterally with respect to the case between at least the first position and the second position.
 7. The case of claim 1, wherein the diffuser component is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the case between at least the first position and the second position.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein the diffuser component is coupled to a rotating member, and wherein rotation of the rotating member cases the diffuser component to move from the first position to the second position.
 9. The case of claim 1, wherein the one or more illumination elements comprise at least one light emitting diode or at least one xenon powered bulb.
 10. The case of claim 1, wherein the one or more illumination elements are configured to be replaceable by the user.
 11. The case of claim 1, further comprising a positioning member to which the one or more illumination elements are coupled, wherein the positioning member is configured to move relative to the onboard camera of the mobile electronic device.
 12. A case configured to be removably attachable to a mobile electronic device, the case comprising: a diffuser component configured to move, relative to one or more illumination elements configured to emit light within at least a field of view of an onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device, from a first position in which the diffuser component alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, to a second position in which the diffuser component does not alter light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, wherein the case is configured to be attached to and removed from the mobile electronic device by a user.
 13. The case of claim 12, wherein the mobile electronic device comprises the one or more illumination elements.
 14. The case of claim 12, wherein the case comprises the one or more illumination elements.
 15. The case of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the diffuser component is at least partially opaque and at least partially translucent.
 16. The case of claim 12, wherein the diffuser component alters at least a portion of light emitted by the one or more illumination elements by at least one of: scattering, blocking, redirecting, or softening at least the portion of light.
 17. The case of claim 12, wherein the diffuser component comprises at least first and second diffusion regions, and wherein the first diffusion region provides a greater degree of diffusion than the second diffusion region.
 18. The case of claim 17, wherein the diffuser component is further configured to move to a third position relative to the one or more illumination elements, wherein the first diffusion region alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements when the diffuser component is in the first position, and wherein the second diffusion region alters light emitted by the one.
 19. The case of claim 12, further configured to be attached to and removed from a second protective case, wherein the second protective case is configured to be attached to and removed from the mobile electronic device by the user.
 20. The case of claim 12, further comprising an auxiliary power source, wherein the one or more illumination elements are powered by the auxiliary power source.
 21. The case of claim 12, further comprising an access region configured to permit use of the onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device.
 22. The case of claim 12, further comprising an access region configured to permit attachment of an auxiliary lens component to the mobile electronic device.
 23. The case of claim 12, further comprising a securement mechanism configured to secure the case to the mobile electronic device in a first position, wherein a user may cause the securement mechanism to move to a second position permitting detachment of the case from the mobile electronic device.
 24. The case of claim 23, wherein the securement mechanism is biased to the first position.
 25. A method of manufacturing a removably attachable case for a mobile electronic device, the method comprising: providing one or more illumination elements configured to emit light within at least a field of view of an onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device; providing a diffuser component; and coupling the one or more illumination elements and the diffuser component to the case, wherein the diffuser component is configured to move, relative to the one or more illumination elements, from a first position in which the diffuser component alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, to a second position in which the diffuser component does not alter light emitted by the one or more illumination elements, wherein the case is configured to be attached to and removed from the mobile electronic device by a user.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the diffuser component comprises at least first and second diffusion regions, and wherein the first diffusion region provides a greater degree of diffusion than the second diffusion region.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising coupling the diffuser component to the case such that the diffuser component moves to a third position relative to the one or more illumination elements, wherein the first diffusion region alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements when the diffuser component is in the first position, and wherein the second diffusion region alters light emitted by the one or more illumination elements when the diffuser component is in the third position.
 28. The method of claim 25, further comprising coupling the diffuser component to the case such that the diffuser component slides with respect to the one or more illumination elements between at least the first position and the second position.
 29. The method of claim 25, further comprising coupling the diffuser component to a rotating member such that the diffuser component rotates with respect to the one or more illumination elements between at least the first position and the second position. 